What led you to join Primordial Genetics?

The opportunity to be part of a team that is engaged in truly cutting edge research.  I was once given the advice “if you ever stop learning it’s time to move to a new job.”  I can’t conceive of a time when that would apply here.

What is your role at Primordial Genetics, and how long have you been on the team?

I have recently joined as a Staff Scientist.  I have known the founder and one of the advisors for many years.  I always knew we would work together again.

What industries are you most excited about that will benefit from this technology?

I’m very passionate about agriculture.  My generation is the first on either side of the family that did not grow up as a farmer.  My roots have always led me to try and find ways to get plants to grow stronger and faster.  I am also deeply concerned about the strains of multiple resistant bacteria and fungi.  If we can be a part of solving that emerging problem I would sleep better at night.

What is one piece of advice for others in biotech careers/industry?

Don’t become a dinosaur.  It is important to learn as much as you can as often as you can.  After all, what is the point of engaging in research if you are not innately curious?

When you aren’t in the lab, what do you like to do? 

I spend a lot of time in the garden (recall my ag roots). But I’m also a huge fan of history and languages.  You can often find me listening to history podcasts; or practicing German and Spanish on Duolingo.  I am currently reading a biography of Lenin.

To read Matt’s full bio, visit https://primordialgenetics.com/about/